How to Remove Yellow Stains From a Night Guard

How to Remove Yellow Stains From a Night Guard

September 1, 2022

Mouth guards are a non-invasive treatment option for temporomandibular joint disorders TMJ or bruxism at Smiles of Gilbert dental office. These comfortable and user-friendly clear oral appliances form a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth and help safeguard your smile. However, it is very common for discoloration and yellow satins to develop over time.

If your guard is turning yellow, you shouldn’t panic. A good cleaning will do the trick. This article will help you know more about what may cause your guards to turn yellow and how you can remove the stains from your guard.

Why Did My Night Guard Turn Yellow?

There is no exact cause of guard discoloration, but here are some factors that may cause your mouthguards to turn yellow. They include:

  • Bacteria Build-up

The bacteria that cause tooth decay, plaque, cavities, and bad breath can also discolor your guard. Wearing your guard overnight exposes them to food particles you may have missed when brushing your teeth. In addition, no matter how you maintain your pre-bed oral care, bacteria will build up in your mouth over time.

Other factors that may also impact bacteria build-up include improper cleaning, drying techniques, improper storage, and exposure to germs from pets or children.

  • It is Damaged

Over time your guard will naturally develop bite marks, scuffs, and grinds if you clench or grind your teeth. That’s why your dentist will recommend that you change your mouthguards yearly or after at most two years. Bacteria can easily proliferate on these, thus making your guards yellow.

  • Improper use

The guards are only meant to be used at night, but at times, some people may also use them as a sports mouthguard to protect their teeth when participating in sports activities. Unfortunately, these materials will break them down quickly. Thus, it will expose your night guards to more harmful bacteria that may cause your teeth to be yellow.

  • It is old

Your guard is turning yellow not because of how you are using it, how you care for it, or if it’s damaging but because the oral appliances are just old.

An old guard deteriorating materials can negatively impact how your device works. If it does not work well, it can cause potential harm to your dental health.

How Can You Remove Yellow Stains from Your Night Guard

Regular cleaning of your mouthguard will maintain the cleanness and color of your guard. You can remove and prevent yellow stains from your guard by following the night guard care below:

  • Toothpaste. Clean your teeth using a non-abrasive toothpaste with soft bristles toothbrush. You can also rinse thoroughly and ensure the oral appliance is dry before storing it. Avoid using hot water as it can deform the guard.
  • Baking Soda. Make a paste with baking soda and water can apply it to your guard using a soft toothbrush. Then rinse your guard and allow it to dry.
  • Mouthwash. Use cool water to rinse your guard. Using a dish, you can submerge the night guard, pour in a cap of alcohol-free mouth wash, and place the mouthguard on it. Then add enough water to cover the appliance and let it soak for at most 30 minutes. Drain the dish, rinse your guard, and allow it to dry.
  • Soap. Select a mild, alcohol-free, antimicrobial soap or dish soap to clean your guard.

Your dentist may also recommend that you deep clean your guard after every two weeks or monthly. These deep cleanings are important in removing yellow stains from your guards. It is also a great idea to perform a deep cleaning after an illness to ensure that there are no lingering germs.

During a deep cleaning, you can use the following cleaning agents:

  • White Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide. This cleansing involves soaking your guards in vinegar for 30 minutes, after which you rinse them in cool water and then follow it up by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide. Finally, rinse it again after allowing the guard to dry.
  • Denture cleaners. Over the counter, the denture cleaning solution can also clean your mouthguard. Ensure that you use a non-abrasive solution. Follow the instructions on the packet but do not soak it for long as extended exposure may damage your appliance.
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